Decisive Moments in Spectacular Light

Hello, I’m Steve Cirone. Welcome to my site.

I’ve spent decades photographing wildlife in Southern California where I have perfected specific photographic techniques for specific locations.

My photography has won many awards. I’ve served as president of the Sierra Club Photo Section and president of the Photonaturalists Club.

Currently I’m presenting my show, “Decisive Moments in Spectacular Light,” to the many photo clubs and other interested groups throughout San Diego County.

I am now offering personalized photographic workshops in Southern California. I will guide you to spectacular nature photography spots such as the lakes, rivers, beaches, and lagoons of San Diego.

I'll show you how to determine when the light is right and where to be in relation to your subject so that you can be in the state of constant readiness. You will learn to predict and capture the Decisive Moment in Spectacular Light as it unfolds. Along the way, we will observe amazing animals and their behavior and, hopefully, become better stewards of our environment.

Private Instructional Photo Tours

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San Diego offers an abundance of wildlife. Typical photographic opportunities include dragonflies and other insects, wood ducks, snowy and great egrets, little green and great blue herons, hawks, turtles, grackles, carp, and ospreys.

I’ll show you specific techniques for each species depending on what we discover. I photograph in San Diego almost daily, so I know what works.

We’ll cover:

You will have full use of my equipment including :

Transportation in my 2008 Lexus SUV and pickup at your hotel is included. Or follow me in your car. It's up to you.

Full-day tours run from sunrise to sunset. Half-day tours run from sunrise to 1 p.m.

Price is the same for one or two participants, so bring a spouse or a friend.

For more information, email me at steve@stevecirone.com or call me at 858-761-1020.

To register with a credit card, use the Pay Now buttons below and email your choice of dates to steve@stevecirone.com.

 

Half Day: $385

 

One Full Day: $745

 

Additional Full Days: $600 each

 

 

Happy Customers

      I had never met Steve until this past week and only knew of him through a mention on Ken Rockwell's website. Given the incredible photos posted on his site and a Ken Rockwell review of a local Sierra Club slide show Steve gave during the past year, I decided that it was time for me to take a class from him. If a fraction of his talent and knowledge could rub off, I figured it was worth a shot. I was interested in a one-on-one session to ensure maximum "bang for the buck."
      As I live in the San Diego area, Steve was able to arrange for a session within hours of me contacting him.    In a nutshell: it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my photographic career. Steve has a great data base to pass on and has no qualms about sharing his secrets. The latter being of particular note given that so many photographers consider everything to be proprietary. He has a vast knowledge of the local area: where (and when) to go for the best critters and can identify everything in sight.
      If you don't have a complete rig, he gladly shares the best and latest equipment for you to handle/use. Lots of tips and great ideas come out during the shoots as well as during the wrap-up. And, to top it all off, Steve has a most outgoing personality and infinite patience that made our first day a resounding success.
      Being local, Steve was amenable to splitting our two-day session up. His flexibility is noteworthy. So many people offering workshops seem aloof, mechanical and above their clients. Steve is none of those!! Can't recommend him highly enough!
      --John Brueggeman (La Jolla, CA)
      Yes that was a blast, I'll be back. We have to figure a another three day shoot in a couple of months maybe. Let's see what my wallet's like. Can't wait to shoot your 1DS Mark III again. Rock on.
      --Todd Pacheco (Boston, MA)

      Thank you for a great photo shoot! Before I head to the airport I wanted to let you know that I thought it was a great, well organized shoot. I'm sorry I had to leave early to get ready for my trip to Indiana. Please let me know when you are doing another. I would like to do it again. I think I got some good images from my quick look. Thank your side-kick for me. She was a great help!
      --Fred Mandabach

      Thanks so much for the instruction and guidance for Saturday's workshop. I learned a lot and even made a few decent images. You may see me around at the lakes again next Saturday trying my hand at getting some more bird shots. I'll just say hello. You've got another bird photo junkie here! Thanks again, you reminded me that what equipment we have is usually good enough. Those darn shy birds though need special attention, lol.
      --Gary Lange

      It was really fun to shoot with you because you were extremely friendly, kind to lend me your equipment in more than one occassion and very patient when I had any questions. I loved your presentation in January and I knew Saturday was going to be great, yet you exceeded my expectations. I can see myself doing this every single weekend. I just wanted to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for one of the best days of my life. Seriously. I don't have any friends that are interested in this passion that I have and you were just the perfect company.
      --Alan Alpert